NIEC’s Preschool Educator Training Guide
YOUR MISSION BEGINS NOW!
Hello, aspiring early childhood educators! Get ready to blast off into an exhilarating adventure where you’ll uncover the secrets of becoming an early childhood educator. This microsite will be a one-stop place for you to gain access to all information about our early childhood courses.
With rising demand for preschool services and awareness of the importance of early childhood, the need for quality early childhood educators is surging. Watch Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing interviewing preschoolers to understand the importance of early childhood education!
USEFUL TOOLS FOR PARENTS
Get all the information you need here about the early childhood sector and how NIEC supports your child!
Are you ready for the mission that awaits you? Find out what it takes to be a preschool educator below!
- You love to interact with children! Each child is unique, and seeing their growth and progress is what inspires you.
- You wish to make a lifelong impact. The early years are crucial as it is a period that can powerfully shape children’s brain development, creating the foundation for later life.
- You want to grow professionally. There are various opportunities for you to develop through NIEC’s post-diplomas and continuing professional development courses!
Additionally, here’s a checklist of qualities you’ll need:
- Resilience
- In a Team (Collaboration)
- Professionalism
- Passion
- Love for Learning
- Enthusiasm
Curious how our courses can bring you closer to your aspirations?
Explore any of our three courses to learn more and get a glimpse of campus life!
• NIEC (NP) & NIEC (TP) campuses: Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education (N96 & T68)
• NIEC (NP) campus: Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (N95)
• NIEC (ITE) campus: Higher Nitec in Early Childhood Education (V42)
Pro-tip: Deepen your skills with specialisations you can take in your final year! Both NIEC (NP) and NIEC (TP) offer the Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education but you can choose to specialise in different tracks in your 3rd year*.
• NIEC (NP) campus: Early Intervention or Mother Tongue Language Teaching – Chinese or Tamil Track
• NIEC (TP) campus: Visual Arts or Mother Tongue Language Teaching – Malay Track
*Subject to prevailing terms and conditions.
You can even get your training fully sponsored and receive a monthly allowance with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Training Award! Details here: ECDA Training Award (ITE) and ECDA Training Award (Polytechnic)
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOU
Need help figuring out which campus fits you best or if you’re ready to dive into the world of early childhood education? Our events have you covered!
• Join us at NIEC’s Playtime! event on the 2nd week of June 2025! You’ll have the chance to interact with preschoolers and engage in fun, hands-on activities to experience life as a preschool educator. You’ll also get to connect with our student leaders and lecturers, who will share insights about NIEC’s courses, campus life, and their personal experiences working with young children! Join our mailing list to be the first to receive more details!
• Catch NIEC at WorldSkills Singapore 2025 from 3 to 5 April! Visit our booth to chat with our lecturers and learn more about our courses, campus life, and what it’s like to be an early childhood educator. Find out more here!
Lessons aren’t always in lecture theatres at NIEC. We have special rooms that simulate real-world early childhood learning facilities. You’ll get to engage in microteaching (where you conduct a lesson for your peers acting as preschoolers), and more!
Our alumni have more to share too! Read about our Class of 2024 graduates’ journey and accomplishments at NIEC below.
Witnessing my secondary school teachers' dedication and passion for teaching inspired me to make a positive impact on children's lives. During my time at NIEC (ITE), I actively participated in various events such as the NIEC (ITE) Bonding Day and the National Library Board’s Stories Come Alive where I engaged with children and forged connections within the industry. My internship allowed me to gain insight into the responsibilities of a preschool educator, building my confidence and skills in supporting children’s holistic development. After graduating, I have enrolled in the Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education at NIEC (TP) to deepen my expertise.
The hands-on learning approach adopted by my lecturers was the highlight of my experience at NIEC (NP)! They would immerse us in their planned learning experiences, making the modules appealing and engaging. One of my fondest memories was my 6-month internship as I saw the significant impact preschool educators have on laying the foundation for children’s learning. After graduation, I am eager to embark on my journey as a preschool educator. Early childhood is a very rewarding and fulfilling career, especially after witnessing children achieve their milestones!
At NIEC (TP), I was fortunate to meet experienced and supportive mentors who shaped my journey in EC education. Building meaningful connections with children has been incredibly rewarding for me. At the start of my 6-month internship, I recall how the children were initially shy but gradually became more comfortable around me. They even started to look forward to school because of our bond! This experience highlighted the importance of building trust and rapport with children which creates a positive and engaging learning environment. There has been an increased acceptance towards male preschool educators, so do join the field if you're passionate about working with young children!
Teaching children is incredibly rewarding as their purity, creativity, and curiosity make it a true joy. At NIEC (ITE), I really enjoyed learning about developmental milestones and effective teaching methods, which I know will be valuable in my future career. One of my most memorable experiences was teaching classrooms full of children and engaging in various activities with them. For anyone considering a course in early childhood education, I highly recommend it as it’s both fun and fulfilling. And for male students, know that there is a high demand for male teachers in this field!
My love for the Tamil language and motivation to nurture children into leaders who embrace the Tamil culture and values inspired me to join early childhood education. The theoretical knowledge acquired at NIEC (NP) helped me greatly in implementing effective classroom management strategies. During my internship, I’ve used it as a guide to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of every child. I believe that male preschool educators can make a profound impact on children’s lives too so don’t hesitate if you’re passionate about joining this field.
My fondest memory in NIEC (TP) was during my 6-month internship, allowing me to apply classroom knowledge and theories into the real world. I recall a significant moment when a child, initially responding with one-word answers, began engaging in full conversations with me by the end of my internship. This experience reminded me of why I wanted to become an early childhood (EC) educator – being able to make a profound impact on children’s developmental journey through the right guidance and support. I look forward to nurturing more young minds as a preschool educator after graduation!
NIEC (ITE) exposed me to various child development theories, providing insights into how children learn and strategies to enhance their development in daily activities. There were also many hands-on opportunities to design creative and interactive lesson plans. My internship was incredibly enriching, teaching me to adapt to children’s diverse abilities and utilise positive reinforcement effectively. Upon graduation, I plan to work full-time while pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education - Teaching (DECCE-T) at NIEC to refine my teaching skills and cater to children up to 6 years old.
After observing a declining interest in Mother Tongue Language among children today, I wanted to become a Tamil Language early childhood educator to foster their love for the language, tradition and culture. A highlight of my time at NIEC (NP) was organising an event for the Tamil Language Festival 2023. It was very fulfilling as I saw the children engaged in the events I planned! I also enjoyed my 6-month internship where I honed my abilities in handling diverse learning needs. If you have a strong love for Tamil language, do consider TSE and spread the joy and knowledge of the Tamil language to the future generation!
I love that as a preschool educator, you can leave a lasting impact on future generations, making a meaningful difference in their lives! At NIEC (TP), the diverse modules and practicums offered many hands-on learning experiences, allowing me to develop into a confident and reflective preschool educator. I also recall how fulfilling it was to witness children develop essential values that was influenced by my interactions with them during my 6-month internship. This experience reinforced my passion for EC education. After graduation, I’ll continue to make a difference in young children’s lives as a preschool educator!
They are so much more than just your captains; they are also your teammates to an incredible experience!
Who better than to share more about your learning journey than our lecturers?
I teach a drama module that involves various drama strategies they can apply in the classroom. I give my students roleplay scenarios to help them fully immerse themselves in the strategies. For example, I give some students the role of a teacher doing a dramatic reading of a storybook to their children! This helps them better understand the process of each strategy.
Visual arts have always been a vital area for children’s holistic development in critical thinking, openness to new experiences and creativity. These are 21st-century competencies for a new world we face today. As we train students to be early childhood educators, it is important for them to harness the interest in the visual arts, so that they can create an encouraging and creative environment for children and be the nurturing educator alongside children.
As lecturers, we play the role of mentors too! I make time to listen to my students, especially when they are struggling to cope or need a listening ear. I always assure my students that our classroom is a safe space and they are free to express their thoughts and ask questions. Reminding them that all their questions and opinions are valued also sets an example for them. When they become teachers, they should do the same in their classroom.
Curious about the skills and knowledge you’ll gain by graduation? Find out below!
Let’s also take a trip to where you’ll be working after graduation. Experience the life of an early childhood educator through the eyes of those who are already making a difference in the sector!
Expected Starting Salary
Upon graduation, here’s the starting salary you can expect*:
*Below is an indication of the expected gross monthly salary ranges for preschool educators in Anchor Operator (AOP) centres by 2024.
Job Role
2024 Estimated Gross Monthly Starting Salary Range
Preschool Educators
From $2,900
Infant & Early Years Educators
From $2,600
Further Studies
Of course, your journey doesn’t stop at being an educator. As graduates of our diploma programmes, students will be eligible to apply for full-time degree programmes offered by the Autonomous Universities (AUs) or overseas universities. You may find the full university accreditation list here.
Moreover, we provide a full range of courses for early childhood educators at every stage of their career. Even after graduation when they are working as an educator, they can continue upgrading themselves through our post-diplomas or continuing professional development courses!
ECDA, the agency that oversees the sector, also gives educators plenty of opportunities to develop professionally! Discover more about how ECDA can support your early childhood career below!
TIME TO LAND!
Now that you’re almost at the end of your space expedition, discover how you can apply for our courses here!
Have questions?
Email us at contact_niec@niec.edu.sg
All the best!
